Samsung is bringing its free One UI 9 upgrade to far more phones than anyone expected. The Galaxy A57 and A56 are now confirmed for the beta, joining the flagship S25 series. And there's a new security lock that could change how you protect your apps.
The South Korean giant confirmed this week that its next major software refresh, One UI 9, will land on the Galaxy A57 and A56 as a free beta upgrade. That means millions of mid-range users get to try the latest Android skin before the stable release. The update also introduces Secure Lock, a feature that lets you lock individual apps behind an extra layer of authentication—fingerprint, PIN, or face.
This is a departure from Samsung's usual playbook. Historically, major One UI betas launch on the flagship S and Note lines, then trickle down months later. The A series, despite being the company's volume driver, typically waits. Not this time. By expanding the beta to the A57 and A56, Samsung signals that software parity is becoming a competitive weapon in the mid-range war.
The Galaxy A57 and A56 are 2026 models targeting the $400–$500 price band. They ship with Android 15 out of the box, so One UI 9 (based on Android 16) will be their first major OS bump. Secure Lock is the headline feature: it works like a private vault inside Settings, letting you hide and lock photos, messages, and banking apps. It's separate from the existing Secure Folder, giving users a quicker, app-level lock option.
Industry analysts say this move pressures rivals like Xiaomi and Oppo, which often reserve software innovations for flagships. “Samsung is using software to build loyalty in the mid-range,” says Avi Greengart of Techsponential. “Free, timely upgrades reduce churn and make the A series a better long-term bet.”
Samsung has not announced a specific beta start date, but the company typically opens One UI betas in the third quarter. A stable roll-out should follow by early 2027, hitting the Galaxy S25 first, then the A57 and A56. More A-series models could join the beta later. Expect additional One UI 9 features—AI-enhanced battery management and camera tweaks—to trickle out in the coming months. For now, the free upgrade is a clear message: Samsung wants its software to be a reason to buy, not just a necessity.
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Samsung's Free Upgrade Is Coming To Millions Of Galaxy Phones
Samsung's One UI 9 beta is now confirmed for the Galaxy A57 and A56, expanding the free upgrade further than expected. There's also a new Secure Lock security feature.
Janhoi McGregor, Senior Contributor
Forbes
2 min read
7/10
Seoul
Key Takeaways
- Samsung confirms One UI 9 beta for Galaxy A57 and A56, expanding the free upgrade beyond the flagship S25 series for the first time.
- The update introduces Secure Lock, a new app-level security feature that locks individual apps with fingerprint, PIN, or face ID—separate from Secure Folder.
- The A57 and A56 are mid-range devices priced around $400–$500, making the free major OS upgrade a rare perk in that segment.
- One UI 9 is expected to include AI-driven improvements for battery life and camera processing, though Samsung has not detailed them yet.
- Analysts estimate the expanded beta could reach over 10 million Galaxy A series users, putting pressure on Xiaomi and Oppo to offer similar software timeliness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Samsung has confirmed the One UI 9 beta for the Galaxy A57, A56, and the flagship Galaxy S25. More A-series models may join during the beta program. The stable release will likely cover many 2025 and 2026 Galaxy phones.
Secure Lock is a new security feature that lets you lock individual apps with biometric authentication (fingerprint or face) or a PIN. It's separate from Samsung's existing Secure Folder and provides a quick way to protect sensitive apps like banking or messaging.
Yes, the One UI 9 upgrade is free for eligible Galaxy devices. Samsung releases major OS upgrades as over-the-air updates at no cost. The beta program is also free, but users must register through the Samsung Members app.
Samsung has not announced an exact date, but historically, One UI betas begin in the third quarter of the year. The stable roll-out is expected by early 2027.
Samsung has not released a full feature list yet, but One UI 9 is expected to include AI-driven battery optimization, camera enhancements, and deeper integration with Android 16. More details will emerge during the beta.
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